There was Kevin Powell, and Colton Schmitz, and Helmut Rentschler and James Alter, on and around a wrestling mat in Kirksville.

But this was Thursday night, November 2012, and while some of the names and faces were the same, they were no longer wearing the Kirksville Tiger orange and black that so many know them for.

On this night, they weren’t all wearing the same colors, period.

Truman State’s wrestling team defeated Missouri Valley College, 25-18, in a match that acted as the Bulldogs’ home opener and a reunion of sorts. Powell, the KHS head coach, was the assistant referee. Schmitz and Rentschler were on the mat in purple and white for Truman, while Alter was dressed in his orange, purple and white Viking singlet.

The night served as a homecoming for Alter, who won his match at 285 pounds over Truman’s Nate Helmig, 18-9.

“It’s actually nice seeing these guys at tournaments,” Alter said. “They’re wrestling my teammates, so sometimes I need to root against them every now and then, but they’re still great guys and it’s awesome to see them.”

The team score was already in hand when Alter took the mat in the final match. Schmitz described a mixed set of emotions while watching his current and former teammates do battle.

“I’m on Truman’s team,” he said. “I’ve been on this team for four years now, so I have to root for my team. Then again, I’ve been with James, too, and I really respect him and like him as an individual, so I’m not rooting against him.”

Schmitz took care of business in his match, grinding out a 3-2 win at 165 pounds over Gian Traverso thanks to an escape early in the third period and an early takedown that gave him the lead.

“My match was not really the way I wanted it to go, but I got the win. I had the first takedown, which is big for me, but I’ve still got a lot to improve on,” Schmitz said, adding he’s feeling good after battling injuries throughout his collegiate career, ailments that have kept him off the mat for extended periods.

“It’s been a long road. There have been bumps,” he said. “I’ve had some problems with my body throughout. Just trying to stay strong and keep working hard and getting through it.”

Rentschler found himself in a tight match at 197 pounds against Josh Manu, before getting caught and pinned with just one second remaining in the second period.

Page 2 of 2 - While disappointed with his performance Thursday, Rentschler said he remains confident and focused on his goals.

“It was a tough match tonight. He’s a really good wrestler. I’ve just got to get my head on straight and get ready for the next one. It’s coming quick,” he said. “I want to be a national qualifier and an all-American. That’s my goal every year.”

Schutter spoke highly of 157-pounder Dustin McClintock and 174-pounder Chase Wrisinger, who each lost tough matches. He said McClintock is fighting through injuries, while he praised the effort of Wrisinger, who dropped a 5-4 decision in double-overtime.

Truman travels to Iowa this weekend to compete in the Simpson College Invitational. Schutter is excited about the squad’s potential.

“The kids have worked hard,” he said. “They believe in themselves and we want to break through at regionals and get a lot more guys at nationals. We want a lot more all-Americans and national champions. That’s our goal.”